Everybody loves deep-fried turkey. But every year there are people who risk life and property trying to fry a bird. The fear of burning your house down is real.
If you've always wanted to try to fry, and you've decided that this is the year you'll take the plunge of deep-fried turkey, please don't burn your house down. Follow some basic safety tips to avoid injuries.
Tips to having a safe and happy Thanksgiving
If you decide to deep fry a turkey, follow these tips to prevent fires and injuries:- Place the turkey fryer outdoors, on a level surface, in an open area away from homes, fences, sheds, over hangs and other structures.
- Never place the fryer on a wooden deck or porch or in a garage or carport.
- Leave at least 2 feet between the fryer and the propane tank.
- Keep the fryer in full view at all times.
- Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
- Check the oil temperature often. If you see smoke coming from the oil, turn off the gas right away.
- Completely thaw and dry the turkey before frying. Adding a partially frozen or wet turkey to the pot makes the oil splatter a lot, causing a fire or explosion hazard.
- Cover bare skin before adding or removing food from the fryer.
- Raise and lower food slowly to avoid splattering or spilling oil.
- Use the right amount of oil. To find out how much oil to use, read the fryer's instructions, or:
- Place the turkey in the pot.
- Fill with water until the turkey is covered by an inch of water.
- Remove the turkey and pat dry.
- Mark the water level in the pot.
- Dump the water, dry the pot, and fill oil to the level marked.
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Turkey Fryer Fire Facts
- Cooking fires peak on Thanksgiving Day.
- Between 1998 and 2005, the Consumer Product Safety Commission had 112 reports of fires or burns related to turkey fryers.
- Most fires from turkey fryers occur while the oil is being heated, before the turkey is added.
- Contact with hot oil can cause serious burns.
